The plant for July is seen frequently in commercial landscapes but rarely in residential ones. Vanquelinia californica or Arizona rosewood is so popular with commercial landscapes possibly because of its many applications in arid landscape. It is an evergreen that works well as a screen or hedge that can be pruned or shaped as needed. Or, it can even be used as a small multi-trunked tree as it grows to a height of 20 feet.

The rosewood has attractive white flowers that grow in flattened clusters at the branch tips. It is in bloom right now around the country. The blooms will be fading towards the end of July.

The rosewood is very adapted to the climate of Southeast Arizona. It takes almost any condition we could give it. Although it is a very low water plant, it does respond well to some water.

In my garden I plan for the Arizona rosewood to be planted around the edges of the yard as a windbreak. It will also soften the view and give a good background for the closer plants.

If you need a very low water, low maintenance screen or hedge, try Arizona rosewood.